Who Should Pursue Dual Degrees

If you want to be a Seminary student who also gains the foundational education and skills to pursue licensure as a marriage and family therapist, the Master of Science (MS) in Marriage and Family Therapy combined with the Master of Arts (Christian Studies) meets this need. The dual-degree sequences shorten the time required to complete the programs separately and offer opportunity to reflect on the integration of Christian faith and professional mental health therapy.

Benefits

By pursuing dual degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy and Christian Studies, you will bring together skills and knowledge in both disciplines, enriching your graduate education and your career opportunities. You will also earn two advanced degrees in less time than it would take you to earn the same two degrees separately.

Career Opportunities

Dual degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy and Christian Studies will enable you to serve in church positions that incorporate the roles of pastor and therapist, such as a pastor for family ministries. You could also work, for instance, as a therapist within a church counseling center, a pastor for family ministries, or an inner-city missionary to homeless families.

Requirements and Timeline

MS in Marriage and Family Therapy and MA (Christian Studies)If taken separately, the MS in Marriage and Family Therapy and the MA (Christian Studies) degrees would usually require four years of full-time study. When you enroll in both degrees concurrently, you are able to complete both degrees in as little as three years of full-time study.

MS in Marriage and Family Therapy and MDiv If taken separately, the MS in Marriage and Family Therapy and MDiv degrees would require five years of full-time study. When you enroll in both degrees concurrently, you may be able to complete the educational requirements for church ordination, as well as clinical licensure, in as little as four years of full-time study.

To earn the dual degrees, you will need to apply to the School of Psychology, Family, and Community as well as to Seattle Pacific Seminary (acceptance in one does not guarantee acceptance in the other). Once you are admitted to both programs, you will receive a specialized program plan to follow for the duration of your enrollment at SPU.